Fundraiser aims to replenish Great Barrington library group coffers

GREAT BARRINGTON -- When visitors of the Mason Library pick up a book on Saturday, they’ll also be able to help the library at the same time.

The Great Barrington Friends of the Library will be reviving its membership program to raise funds to help new library director, Amanda DeGiorgis, who was appointed this week and starts in her new position on Monday.

For the small sum of $10, members support popular programs like the monthly film series run from Great Barrington’s two libraries and the free museum pass program.

"Joining the Friends of the Library is a way to be enfranchised in the library," said Holly Hamer, who is on the Friend’s Steering Committee.

The membership drive -- there will also be a book sale -- will take place from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, and also will allow people to meet the new director, who will be there for part of the day. Members receive a monthly e-mail about the library and they also have greater say on the Friends’ budget, which can be as high as $5,000 through fundraising.

"It will give you a voice on how that money will be designated for the libraries," Hamer said.

The Friends of the Great Barrington Libraries is trying to replenish its coffers after a productive last year. Friends’ funding paid for new furniture in the staff and teen room. It also helped pay for a new film projector at the Ramsdell Library and a new audio visual projector and speaker system for the Mason Library, according to Hamer.

Proceeds also will support the library’s programming, which includes a monthly movie on creativity at the Ramsdell Library and documentaries on social activism at the Mason Library.

"We depleted our coffers doing those things and we would love to get in the black and we hope many will join," Hamer said.

Membership, which is $15 for families, is good for one year and expires next Valentine’s Day.

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